Pastor seeks help as bandits ‘demand N1bn ransom’ for eight abducted Kwara worshippers

Kwara map

Suspected bandits have reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion to free eight abducted members of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), Omugo, in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara state.

Gunmen had attacked the church on Sunday, shooting sporadically during service to scare the congregation and abducted some members.

Speaking in an interview with News Central TV on Tuesday, Toba Omole, the pastor-in-charge of the church, whose wife was among the victims, said eight members of the church are still in captivity. Omole said the bandits made the demand after allowing the community to speak with the abducted victims on Tuesday morning.

“This morning, to the glory of God, we heard from our people who were abducted about three days ago. We heard their voices, and I heard my wife’s voice and other members — the men and women that were kidnapped together,” Omole said.

“About eight of them are still there. And right away, the kidnappers made their demand. They requested N1 billion from us in order to secure their release.”

While appealing to the government and Nigerians for assistance, the pastor said the ransom demand was beyond the community’s capacity.

“This is beyond our power. We are sincerely in need of your help and assistance. Any negotiations you can make, any efforts you can make to assist us, please kindly do so for us,” he said.

The cleric acknowledged efforts being made by the government to ensure peace in the state, but said more needed to be done.

“There is still work to do because eight people — our mothers, fathers, and wives — are still in captivity. My wife is there,” he added.